Dear Editor,
THE Guyanese public has recently been inundated with the topical issue of theUK ban on Guyana’s premium species greenheart or as commonly known, Iron Wood. Greenheart has been traded on the international market for decades unhindered. It is an important species for the growth and development of the forestry sector and the Guyana economy as a whole.The recent attack against the government and the private sector (GMSA&FPA) by Dr. Janette Bulkan is utmost ridiculous. Her assessment and presentation on the matter are flawed and does not have any scientific background or foundation. Rather, she uses the already scientific and published work of the GFC and renowned scientists and try to bore holes and criticise their studies rather than come up with her own work of findings. I would be happy to read and review some of her scientific work on core environment and forestry matters such as the growth and yield of greenheart, greenheart distribution, allowable cut, diameter sizes, canopy cover, soils etc.; her own work, not using other people’s work. Her continued attack on the government and private sector regarding this species is reckless and as noted above very flawed and cannot stand up to any scrutiny. Guyana’s forest has been subject to many international and credible audits and has always been regarded as one of the best managed forests in the world. It’s surprising or just wicked that Dr. Bulkan is not aware of these or very conveniently puts on blinders to these credible international opinions on Guyana’s forest. She can’t be so naïve to think that Norway will pay Guyana U.S. $250M for a poorly managed forest. Her attack on Guyana’s forest not only damages overseas markets, but is an indictment on Guyana’s green economy plan and one of the brain child projects of President Granger. Sustainable forest management is the core or foundation of a green economy. Dr. Bulkan’s attack on Guyana’s forest management system is therefore an attack on and disrespect to President Granger and the entire Guyanese people.
What we are sure is that she is not a patriotic Guyanese who wants better for our people and children. She was an advocate for change, change has come and she continues to attack and disrespect the office of the president and the government. I wonder if she is upset at President Granger for not being considered for the post of presidential adviser on the environment or adviser on forestry. President Granger is right in his wisdom not to appoint her in any top, key positions as we can see what she delivers. I call for a public debate on this greenheart matter, let Dr. Bulkan be invited to give presentations on her reasoning for the ban and let the GFC and private sector be allowed to do a similar presentation on  the matter and let’s have an open public discussion on the matter. Let’s stop all the letter-writing and debate on the matter in the public. I am sure the GFC or the GMSA and FPA will be more than willing to facilitate this forum.
Finally, Dr Bulkan’s illustration of black cake is another example of her myopic vision on the topic. My grandmother used to make a good black cake. I still have friends who can make good black cake and offer Dr. Bulkan and her partner John Palmer to enjoy as they did with the water coconuts sitting in a hammock in the Waini village some years ago under the pretence of doing a crabwood oil management plan for the community. I am sure the people of Waini has more to say on Dr Bulkan and John Palmer holidaying in the Waini community.
Regards,
Peter Persaud